The wait is finally over for Americans: Canada has named the date when you're allowed back in.
Following months of controversy and midway through a lost summer tourist season, Canada will begin admitting non-essential travelers from the United States on August 9, 2021—provided they have been fully vaccinated and can prove it.
Americans will be the only international travelers permitted on that date, largely as a response to intense economic pressure. The list of other nationalities approved for tourism won't be finalized until September 7, but Canadian leaders felt it was important to let Americans know they were welcome first.
Americans are lucky to get the break at all. Just two days ago, Canada announced that its overall vaccination rate has surpassed that of the United States. Canada may have gotten a slow start in vaccinating citizens, but since then the country has passed its southern neighbor and is now in a better position.
To enter Canada, tourists must have completed their vaccination course by July 31 (or 14 days before arrival), and only four vaccine formulations have been approved: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Janssen/Johnson & Johnson.
Proof of vaccination must be uploaded digitally in advance of arrival using ArriveCAN, the country's immigration paperwork portal. Travelers must also carry an original copy of their vaccination cards.
Fully vaccinated tourists must still obtain a negative Covid-19 test result (not an antigen test) within 72 hours of arrival, and they must test again upon arrival using kits furnished by the Canadian government.
Unvaccinated Americans will be excluded. They will be required to quarantine upon arrival.
Unvaccinated children accompanying fully vaccinated parents or guardians will be exempt from quarantine rules.
For more details, see the official info page posted by the Canadian government.
Pictured at top: Lions Gate Bridge at sunset, Vancouver, British Columbia
